The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a damper on a range of events, including sports. However, as restrictions continue to ease and with the recent announcement of adjustments to COVID restrictions under level 1 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, there may be some hope, especially for marathon runners.
The popular Comrades Marathon is set to allow unvaccinated runners who are eager to compete in the race this year in August, as per ENCA.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has reportedly revised its position on the participation of unvaccinated athletes following the changes to the regulations of management pertaining to the pandemic within South Africa.
However, unvaccinated runners will only be allowed to participate if they provide proof of a negative COVID test which needs to be taken 72 hours before the Comrades race day, at their own cost, states CMA chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo.
This stipulation will apply to all participants, including runners, volunteers, and visitors as the association continues to observe the government’s regulations to safeguard the health and safety of runners, supporters, officials and the public, as per News24.
“Should government regulations or Athletics South Africa guidelines change prior to race day, the CMA will likewise apply the regulations applicable at that time,” said Ngcobo in the statement.
The 95th Comrades Marathon will be a Down Run on Sunday, 28 August 2022 and will cover a distance of 90,2km.
For more information, visit the Comrades website.
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